Jasmine almost had heat stroke I think

[Jazzis Mom]

We are good now. A little tired but gonna be ok. I took her outside in the sun for about 5 to 7 minutes. She was running and playing and suddenly just sprawls out. She was limp. Bright her in house real fast. Her little body was so hot. I got her to drink a little water and started rubbing my wet hand on her head nose and feet and legs while she cooled off. Omg so freaking scary. This little girl won’t be going back out in the sun. Posting this because people say they need sun and you would think 5 to 7 min in sun wouldn’t hurt them but it did. Hoping my mistake will help another squirrel mommy or daddy from making the same mistake. She is now running around eating g and playing.

[Nancy in New York]

We are good now. A little tired but gonna be ok. I took her outside in the sun for about 5 to 7 minutes. She was running and playing and suddenly just sprawls out. She was limp. Bright her in house real fast. Her little body was so hot. I got her to drink a little water and started rubbing my wet hand on her head nose and feet and legs while she cooled off. Omg so freaking scary. This little girl won’t be going back out in the sun. Posting this because people say they need sun and you would think 5 to 7 min in sun wouldn’t hurt them but it did. Hoping my mistake will help another squirrel mommy or daddy from making the same mistake. She is now running around eating g and playing.

Thank you so much for posting this!
It's a good time for the reminder that squirrels can overheat in the summer.
Here is an excellent thread about squirrels overheating in the summer,
and what to do if your little one gets heat stroke.
So glad that Jasmine is so much better! :Love_Icon



Warning! Squirrels Can Overheat in Summer


1. Never place a caged squirrel in direct sunlight.
2. Always provide water and shade.
3. On hot and/or humid days, indoor squirrels should be kept inside.
4. To-be-released squirrels need to be slowly acclimated to summer temps.
5. Never leave indoor squirrels (or unacclimated to-be-released squirrels) unattended outdoors.
6. Take extra care when traveling. Never leave your squirrel in the car without the air-conditioning turned on, even with all the windows open.

Symptoms of Heatstroke
Mild--Damp fur, appears to be sweating, rapid heartbeat and breathing
Moderate--Drooling or "foaming at the mouth," labored breathing, vomiting
Severe--diarrhea (may contain blood or mucous), uncoordination, seizures, collapse

If you see any of these symptoms, bring the squirrel indoors immediately and begin Emergency Cool-Down Procedures:


Emergency Treatment for Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency--Do not delay treatment!

Symptoms of Heatstroke

Mild--Damp fur, appears to be sweating, rapid heartbeat and breathing
Moderate--Drooling or "foaming at the mouth," labored breathing, vomiting
Severe--diarrhea (may contain blood or mucous), uncoordination, seizures, collapse

Emergency Cool-Down Procedures

You must get the squirrel cooled down quickly. Seconds count!

1. Bring the squirrel inside.
2. Dip the squirrel in cool water up to his neck.
3. Lay the squirrel down on a damp cloth with his head slightly elevated and turn on a fan.
4. Bathe the squirrel with a cold wet cloth, especially the head and tail areas. Ice packs can be placed around the squirrel (not on him or under him).
5. Offer a small amount of cool water to drink.
Note: Keep the squirrel as quiet and still as possible; exercise will cause him to become more overheated.

For mild cases, the above treatment may be enough. For moderate/severe cases, vet care is required to save the squirrel's life. If you don't have a vet, have someone else call around while you continue the cool-down process.

6. Don't stop the cool-down process, even for a minute.
7. If it's a warm day, run the AC in your car before you transport.
8. Transport the squirrel quickly to the vet, continuing to bathe the squirrel with a cool washcloth while en route (bring some cold water with you).
9. When you get to the vet, tell them it's severe heatstroke. They should rush the squirrel to the back for emergency care immediately.
10. No matter what happens, keep bathing the squirrel in cool water until the squirrel in the vet's hands.

If heatstroke occurs away from home or while traveling. Use the same procedures as above. Use anything you can find to cool the squirrel down. In a pinch, a cold soda or even water from a nearby stream can be used until you can find help.

If you have no access to a vet, try to find a rehabber. If you're on your own, you will need to monitor the squirrel constantly, including his body temperature. Take the squirrel's temperature using a rectal thermometer or a digital ear thermometer. When his temp reaches 103 degrees F, you must stop the cool-down procedures to avoid overcooling. Continue to offer cool water drop by drop.

Most squirrels will not survive moderate/severe heatstroke without IV fluids, which only a vet can provide.

Note: Signs of permanent organ damage may not show up for several hours or even days. The squirrel may seem to recover initially, then get worse later.

A squirrel can develop heatstroke in as little as 10 minutes, even in the shade!


https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?17785-WARNING!-Squirrels-Can-Overheat-in-Summer!